151. Anniversary Celebration, Mansion House, 26 March 2024


The Security Professionals joined with the Management Consultants and the Security Institute in a joint celebration for their 25, 20 & 25 year anniversaries in a Banquet in the presence of the Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress and Sheriff, Dame Susan Langley.  My consort, Eileen, and I were invited to join the celebration with many other Livery masters.  We had speeches from both the Master Management Consultant and Master Security Professional (pictured) as well as a toast from the Chair of the Security Institute.  The response to the toasts was given by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli.

Air Vice Marshal Mick Smeath CBE gave the principal address.  He has extensive staff experience in the Ministry of Defence having completed tours in several areas including operations, capability development and people.  He spent two years as the Principal Staff Officer to the UK Chief of the Defence Staff.  He was subsequently promoted and appointed as the UK’s Defence Attaché to the US and Head of British Defence Staff (United States) in July 2020.  Air Vice-Marshal Smeath was appointed Commandant General of the RAF Regiment in April 2022.  His interests include taking part in all sports but especially competing in triathlons/duathlons and road races.  He is an avid Manchester United and Washington Nationals fan, frightens himself riding motorbikes fast, and has a fascination with live music of all kinds.  He has “died twice” and wears a pacemaker to keep going!

We were entertained by the London Banqueting Ensemble, and greeted by an honour guard from the Honorary Artillery Company Light Cavalry. The dinner was followed by a loving cup and Stirrup Cup.

It was an amazing evening and congratulations to the Companies on successfully working together to create a great evening.  After a nightcap with Livery friends we made it home on the last train at 01.30.

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